Cambridge-based HPG Developments has submitted new plans for a £12m investment in the former Project Office Furniture site on Ehringshausen Way in Haverhill.
The proposals incorporate a new Wickes builders’ merchant and three additional retail warehouse outlets, alongside nine smaller trade warehouses, 11 much needed ‘starter units’ for local businesses, new car parking and a new fast food family restaurant.
In addition to this, the plans will provide a range of additional benefits for the local community in Haverhill:
In excess of new 250 jobs, in retailing and business;
A substantial contribution of £250,000 for improvements to the town centre to ensure its future vitality and viability;
Business starter units to be built in the first phase of development to provide a real boost to the local economy;
Transfer of land to the rear of the site to the Council to enlarge the County Wildlife Site and a contribution towards its maintenance;
A visible sign of confidence in the town at a key gateway location which is currently vacant and derelict.
The new proposals follow almost four months of close working with the Borough Council and its retail advisers to address issues raised by previous plans for the Hamlet Green site that were refused by the council last autumn.
Commenting on the new submission, William Jewson, HPG’s Development Director, said:
“Submitting these new regeneration proposals demonstrates our longstanding commitment to working with the Borough Council to deliver much-needed investment in Haverhill.
“We’ve worked hard to address concerns raised about our earlier scheme. The new retail units we are proposing will be strictly limited to bulky goods which will complement, rather than compete, with the town centre. This in turn will improve the quality and diversity of retail provision in the town and, by helping encourage more people to shop locally, help stimulate further improvement to the town centre.”
William Jewson continued,
“As a result, the proposals now on the table offer not only huge benefits for Haverhill but also the best development possible for this gateway site for the town and its economy.”
It is anticipated that the new proposals for Ehringshausen Way will be determined by the Borough Council’s Planning Committee in late April.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the proposals can contact HPG’s community relations representatives Phil Brogan on 020 7839 5403 or Lucy Pond on 020 7839 5400.
